Analysis

Please find below the most recent in-depth analysis pieces from CriticalThreats.org.

Challenges to America's Counterterrorism Strategy in Somalia
By Breuk Bass, Katherine Zimmerman, June 10, 2013

The outside-of-government push for a semi-autonomous region in the south, and the federal government’s inability to manage the crisis, exemplifies the challenge ahead not only for Somalia, but also for American counter-terrorism strategy in the Horn of Africa.

Drone Kills Top Taliban Leader and al Qaeda Ally Wali-ur-Rehman
By Reza Jan, May 30, 2013

Wali-ur-Rehman, top Pakistani Taliban leader and al Qaeda ally, was reportedly killed on May 29 in a U.S. drone strike. His death is a serious blow to the enemy and will have a significant impact on the Pakistani Taliban's leadership.

Karachi Violence Emblematic of Pakistan's Instability
By Reza Jan, May 20, 2013

All is not well in the City of Lights, as Pakistan's major metropolis, Karachi, is known. The murder of a senior political party worker on May 18 underscores the unrest wracking the city in the wake of recent elections, and showcases the tendency of political disputes in the nation's financial center to be played out in a violent manner. Political infighting is likely to lead to further clashes, city-stopping strikes, further economic paralysis, and the flight of business and talent. 

Taliban Violence Mars Pakistan's Elections
By Reza Jan, May 17, 2013

The Taliban's impact on elections in Pakistan has already been clearly visible. Its attacks have, intentionally or otherwise, helped amplify the voice of conservative parties that claim to seek to part Pakistan from its alliance with the U.S. and to open peace talks with the Taliban. 

Pakistan Votes: The View from Karachi
By Reza Jan, May 13, 2013

Pakistan voted on May 11, 2013 in general elections that saw former two-time prime minister Nawaz Sharif emerge victorious. The polls are a significant departure from Pakistan's military coup-riddled history. While polls were adjudged "relatively fair," and benefitted from record a turnout, major instances of voter fraud in Pakistan's main metropolis of Karachi caused voting to be suspended and new polls scheduled. 

Al Qaeda and its Affiliates in 2013
By Katherine Zimmerman, April 25, 2013

 Al Qaeda’s threat to the United States did not end with Osama bin Laden.

The Peril of Sequestration

Sequestration has done material harm to America’s national security at a dangerous moment. The United States is putting itself, its allies, and the world order that serves America so well at great risk in a fit of absentmindedness. It is past time to start paying attention again to the consequences of this policy on our security.

Map: Diplomatic Appointments
By Sasha Gordon, April 11, 2013

 This map shows the diplomatic appointments decreed in Yemen April 10, 2013.

Chart: Chancellery for Military Advisers
By Sasha Gordon, April 11, 2013

This chart shows the connections between the newly-appointed members of Yemen's Chancellery of the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and former President Ali Abdullah Saleh.

Chart: Defense Reserve Forces
By Sasha Gordon, April 11, 2013

This chart shows the six Republican Guard brigades transferred to Yemen's Defense Reserve Forces.